Anambra residents commend ACTDA for transforming Awka to mega city

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Residents of Awka the Anambra State Capital have commended the Capital Territory Development Agency, ACTDA for the consistency in ensuring that the liveable, prosperous and mega city plans of governor Charles Soludo becomes a reality.


According to the people, the Agency led by Mr Ossy Onuko has proven to be focused and resilient when it comes to doing the right things for the overall interest of the residents,motorists and road users.


Some of the residents who spoke with our Correspondent, applauded the governor Soludo led administration for walking the talk when it comes to giving Awka the status of a state capital.


Awka Capital Territory Development Agency ACTDA, was established to coordinate , control and ensure that the entire communities that make up the state capital are carried along in terms of development and in a manner that Conforms with government policies and Programmes.


Sadly however, the residents recalled that successive administrations while promising to give the capital a facelift through various projects, programs and policies could not do much as their impact were not felt by most of the occupants of the city.


This according to them,neccecitated the vote of confidence on the present leaderships of ACTDA for their firm resolve in ensuring that the entire area wears a new positive look in terms of trading, structural alignment , waste disposal, business location among other activities.


One of the residents,Mr Chukwujekwu Umeh from Mgbakwu,Awka , one of the communities that make up the capital territory said the free flow of traffic presently at Regina junction axis of the Enugu Onitsha expressway was a clear confirmation of the consistency of ACTDA in doing the proper thing .


Mr Chukwujekwu called on the agency not to be deterred by the reactions from some dislodged persons who are bent on dragging government back with their personal interest without considering if their actions affect others.


Another respondent, Mr Paul Okoko who deals on wine and beverages at Unizik Temporary site Junction, said it was the first time an agency of government is sustaining the drive to keep the streets free for pedestrians and motorists.

According to him, the managing Director of ACTDA , Mr Osy Onuko no doubt have proven to be a good administrator with the way he has insisted on making Awka , a state capital to envy.


For his part, an Awka Stakeholder and Community leader, Ozor Obi Ochije Moudilim, all the successive administrations had claimed to be developing Awka but non of them can match the less than two years facelift governor Soludo has demonstrated in Awka through the Awka Capital Territory Development Agency ACTDA, and other ministries.

According Ozor Ochije Moudilim, the massive road constructions in OKPUNO, Agulu Awka, Ifite among other area have not only opened up the capital city but has conferred the status of a state capital in the town.


Ozor Ochije Moudilim who commended ACTDA leadership for insisting on doing the right thing, noted that promise of giving Awka phase two attention before the end of his first four year term, goes a long way to distinguish Professor Soludu as a Godsent and leader who has the overall interest of the state at heart.


Two Tricycle operators , Mr Jude Okoye, and Mr Ben Nweze who ply the popular Unizik Temporary junction Okouno axis, said even though the enforcement by government agencies affects them in some cases, they will forever remain loyal to the present administration for the quality of roads and returning sanity on the routes by discouraging street trading.


A shuttle bus driver , Mr Oliver Umeh, while recalling their ordeal in playing the deplorable roads within Okouno axis, said ACTDA no doubt has helped in giving the area a facelift even as he encouraged them to consider designating motor parks for their operations.

Also Speaking, another resident,Mr Tochukwu Charles, called in the Managing Director of ACTDA, Ossy Onuko not to be detarred by the few comments from people who have developed attitude in blocking the roads in the name of looking for daily breads.

According to him, Awka is a state capital and so,anyone who wishes to reside in it to do business must be willing to adhere and comply with government directives which is aimed at giving the city the Outlook that is deserving of a state capital.

Some of the displaced traders who did not want their names mentioned regretted that their means of livelihood were no longer stable due to the enforcement by the ACTDA but however admitted that the estatics and new looks of Aroma, Unizik and Regina Junctions were having in recent time under Soludo was admirable and commendable.


They therefore appealed that designated locations be made available for them, so that they could continue their petty trading which they said was outing food on the table for their families.


According to them,if they are provided with an alternative spots , they will not hesitate to comply and indeed support Governor Charles Soludo in his policy of a Prosperous Liveable, Green Homeland.


However their fears and appeals seem to have been noted and putting into consideration as ACTDA Managing Director , Mr Ossy Onuko noted that places have already been designated for petty trading across the state capital.


According to him, apart from the sells points, the agency is currently building a state of the art petty trading market in Club road Awka for the people.


The ACTDA Chief Executive therefore called on residents to support the visionary leadership of governor Charles Soludo who is doing everything to transform not just Awka but the entire state.